Burnley Express and News, May 19, 1937.HAGGATE’S LOSS.
DEATH OF MR. A. LEAVER, J.P., AT SOUTHPORT.
BURNLEY BUILDING SOCIETY CHAIRMAN.
Widespread regret has been caused locally by the death at his residence, “Cockdene,” Hesketh-drive, Southport, last Sunday, of Mr. Abraham Leaver, J.P., aged 73. The loss is particularly felt in the Haggate district, where Mr. Leaver was a familiar and beloved figure.
A native of Briercliffe, he had spent most of his life at Cockden, Briercliffe, and although he removed to Southport a few years ago, he had been a frequent visitor to Rose Cottage, Cockden, where his son and daughters reside.
The son of a Briercliffe quarry owner, Mr. Leaver began his career as a builder, erecting several houses in Harle Syke, and at 22 years of age he was responsible for carrying out the extension to the Harle Syke Mill Co’s shed. Leaving the building trade, he entered manufacturing circles as a partner in the firm of Whitehead and Leaver, of Fulledge and Rake Head mills, retiring from that firm 17 years ago. At his death he was a director of Briercliffe Mill and the Hall Lee Manufacturing Co., Westhoughton.
BUILDING SOCIETY CHAIRMAN.
For seventeen years he had been a director of the Burnley Building Society, and was appointed chairman only three months ago, when Mr. J. W. Jobling retired owing to ill-health.
One of the first magistrates in Briercliffe, he had served on the Bench for 29 years, and was chairman of the licensing justices for the Burnley County Area.
All his life he had taken a keen interest in parochial affairs, having been a member of the Parish Council, and for nine years was the Briercliffe representative on the Burnley Rural District Council and the old Burnley Board of Guardians. Before Haggate School was taken over by the Lancashire County Council, Mr. Leaver also served for ten years on the old Briercliffe School Board.
Much of his time was devoted to the Baptist cause at Haggate, where his practical interest will be greatly missed. For the past 37 years he had been chairman of the chapel trustees, and had also served as Sunday School teacher and superintendent. He also had a lengthy connection with the chapel choir, of which at one time he was choirmaster. A few years ago he hunted up every available record regarding this place of worship, and compiled an authentic history. This was published in a series of illustrated articles in the “Express,” and afterwards reproduced in pamphlet form, and was much appreciated. It is rather singular that his death occurred on the day of the “annual sermons,” an event which he had scarcely missed during his lifetime.
Mr. Leaver, who was a staunch Liberal, celebrated his golden wedding two years ago. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. The son, Mr. J. E. Leaver, is a member of the Briercliffe Parish Council, and his daughter, Mrs. W. Nuttall, is president of the Briercliffe Women Liberals. There are four grand-children and one great-grandchild.
The internment will take place to-day (Wednesday) in the family vault at Haggate Churchyard.
Police Court Tribute.
Reference to Mr. Leaver was made by Mr. James Hindle, presiding over the Reedley Police Court yesterday.
Mr. Leaver, he said, was a gentleman he had known in business and magisterial life for many years, and he had always found him to be a man of fair dealing and one who tempered mercy in his judgement in matters with which he had to deal.
He had been engaged in the administration of justice for almost 30 years, and it was with sorrow that they had parted from him. He sincerely hoped that the traditions he had so faithfully endeavoured to carry out during the whole of that time would be maintained.
Mr. Guy Southern, the Clerk, associated himself with Mr. Hindle’s remarks, observing that Mr. Leaver had been a most courteous and obliging magistrate.
On behalf of the police, Chief Inspector Cook said that Mr. Leaver was one whom they held in the highest esteem and regard.
Burnley Express and News, May 19, 1937.LEAVER.-On Whit-Sunday, the 16th last, at Cockdene, Hesketh-drive, Southport, and also of Cockden, Briercliffe, Abraham Leaver, J.P., aged 73, beloved husband of Laura Alice Leaver. Internment, Haggate Baptist Chapel, Wednesday, 19th inst., at 12-30 p.m..-Inquiries to Mr. J. Duerden, Southport. Tel. 8210.
http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk/Pho ... Leaver.htm
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